Alameda County

Alameda County

Alameda offers a taste of old-world charm just a few minutes from the big city. The first time you visit Alameda you’ll feel welcome. The small town atmosphere, beautiful homes, remarkable parks, beaches and schools convey the unique character of Alameda.

Alameda was first settled in the 1850s by immigrants and merchants. Near the turn of the century it was a destination for recreation and sporting events, including the “Coney Island of the West,” Neptune Beach. When the army base Benton Field opened in 1935, Alameda became known as a naval town. That naval base has long since been developed into Alameda Landing, an 80-acre residential and retail community.

The City of Alameda is approximately 12.4 sq. mile in size, population 80,000. Alameda real estate primarily consists of single-family homes along winding tree-lined streets or the island’s many inlets and marinas. In fact, Alameda has more Victorian-style homes per capita than any other city in America. Many of these historic houses can be found in Alameda’s Gold Coast. There are also grand properties on Bay Farm Island and Harbor Bay Isle.

There is no shortage of attractions in this quaint town. Stop by the USS Hornet, Alameda Museum, 36-hole Chuck Corica Golf Complex or the Antiques by the Bay collectibles fair. Alameda takes full advantage of its access to the water, with four miles of gorgeous shoreline and 11 marinas and yacht clubs.

Park Street offers a great retail area for an afternoon stroll. Stop into locally owned stores like Doumitt Shoes, Happy Trails, Sumbody Skin Care, Mints Flowers or Dog Bone Alley. Old classics like Ole’s Waffle Shop, Boniere Bakery or Tucker's Ice Cream are always serving up great food. New to the scene are Pappo, La Pinata and C’era Una Volta. Discover the plethora of foodie favorites at the Alameda Marketplace and run your errands at Alameda Town Center.

Alameda has about four libraries and close to 25 public and private elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, including the College of Alameda. It features several convenient shopping areas. At Park Street and Webster Street shopping districts, one can find antique shops, clothing stores and other unique opportunities. Alameda has a very diverse selection of restaurants to choose from as well—everything from American, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, Korean, Thai, Indian, Italian, Greek, Philippine, German, Burmese and Cuban food. There is something for everyone here.

The nightlife is plentiful here as well. Catch a flick at the newly renovated Alameda Theaters or experience the energy of local musical theatres at the Kofman Auditorium. Sip on a Tiki drink at Forbidden Island, play a game of pinball at Lucky Ju Ju, or soak in the ultimate dive bar atmosphere at Lucky 13. Combine all these features with easy access to San Francisco via ferry, and you’ve got a great escape right from your great Alameda home.

Come visit the City of Alameda when you have a few hours to spare. Like many others, you will experience the peaceful, secluded feeling of living in a small town while still having metropolitan areas a short distance away. Emerge yourself in this small town’s large delights, feel welcomed by others who call this place home, and you may decide to as well.